Smoke evacuation system

ABSTRACT

A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/544,695, filed Apr. 7, 2000, which was acontinuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/046,265, filed Mar.23, 1998, which claims the priority benefit of a U.S. provisionalapplication, Serial No. 60/066,331, filed Nov. 21, 1997.

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to smoke removal and filtering and,more particularly, to a smoke evacuation system for use in surgicalprocedures, including minimally invasive surgical procedures such aslaparoscopy, during which cautery or a laser is used.

BACKGROUND

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,578,000 (Greff et al.) discloses a smokeevacuation system including a trocar having a working channel, astopcock or valve communicating with the channel, a source of wallvacuum, a fluid conduit connected between the stopcock of the trocar andthe source of wall vacuum, a first filter for applying a first reductionin suction and separating smoke into its components and a residual gas,and a flow restriction to generate a second reduction in suction. Theflow restriction is along a passage formed by the conduit, the filterand working channel.

[0004] Greff et al. note that smoke has been handled by simply allowingit to escape into the operating room, thereby subjecting the surgeon andstaff to contaminants. They recognize that closed, recirculating systemsinvolving two trocars have been used, as have probes which are insertedthrough a trocar, but that such systems do not adequately solve theproblems associated with smoke and the removal thereof, e.g.,contamination, smell and impaired visibility of a surgical site.

[0005] Other problems inadequately addressed by currently availableevacuation systems are loss of the pressure in the pneumoperitoneum,and/or tissue drying, particularly if pressure loss is compensated forby increasing insufflation gas flow.

[0006] While the smoke evacuation system disclosed in the Greff et al.patent may be well suited for its intended purpose, it would beadvantageous if the dependency on a remote, “in-wall” vacuum sourcecould be eliminated thereby reducing the cost and complexity of thesystem.

SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention provides an improvement over currentlyknown smoke evacuation systems, methods and techniques, includinglaparoscopic smoke evacuation systems such as the system disclosed inthe Greff et al. patent.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a smokeevacuating system for use during surgical procedures comprising a filterfor operable coupling to a surgical site, said filter exhibiting apressure drop ranging from approximately 0.5 to 20 mm/Hg, with apreferred pressure drop ranging from approximately 1 to 3 mm/Hg. Thefilter may be coupled directly to the patient.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a smokeevacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularlyminimally invasive procedures, involving a surgical site having anassociated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system comprises afilter with a inlet side (the side generally closest to the surgicalsite) and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between thesurgical site and the filter. The fluid conduit defines a substantiallyunobstructed fluid flow path between the surgical site and filter, andthe higher than ambient pressure and a pressure drop associated with thefilter generate and enable a fluid flow in the fluid flow path, thefilter causing a low pressure drop (i.e., pressure differential fromside to side) in the fluid flow from the inlet side to the outlet side.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a smokeevacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularlyminimally invasive procedures, including a conduit for operable couplingto a surgical site, said conduit operably carrying a filter exhibiting apressure drop ranging from approximately 1 to 3 mm/Hg and defining asubstantially unobstructed fluid flow path between the surgical site andthe filter. The conduit may include a connector for being connected to atrocar or other tubular member. An on/off valve may be incorporated tocontrol the flow of fluid through the conduit, whereby, when the valveis open, the flow path from the surgical site to the filter issubstantially unobstructed.

[0011] An advantage of the present invention is that it eliminatesdependency on a built-in, in wall vacuum source. It does not requirehigh vacuum suction and the requisite high resistance filters orcombination of flow restrictors or reducers and filters. Further, itsimplifies smoke evacuation and filtering by eliminating the need formultiple, in-line structures (filters, resistors, etc.) for steppingdown or reducing suction.

[0012] While the present invention may be used in surgical procedures,it may also be used in industry to remove smoke and/or chemicals fromareas such as workstations. For example, it might be used at or adjacentto chip or electronic equipment manufacturing stations to reduceworkers' exposure to smoke produced as connections are formed.Similarly, it might be used to reduce exposure to etching chemicals.

[0013] A feature of the present invention is a balanced smoke evacuationsystem wherein a filter with a relatively low pressure drop performs afiltering function and a flow regulating function, helping to preservethe pressure at or in a pressurized surgical site such as a laparoscopywith a pneumoperitoneum while providing for sufficient flow therefrom toremove smoke from the site, thereby reducing the need for substantial orconstant reinsufflation of the surgical site.

[0014] Surgical aerosols, or bio-aerosols, include smoke from burningtissue, but also often include moisture, steam or mist produced by cellsas they are heated and/or ruptured by certain surgical instruments suchas lasers or ultrasonic scissors (e.g., “Harmonic Scissors” by Ethicon).Additionally, some surgeons are now using heated, humidified gas forinsufflation to help maintain a normal body temperature and to helpreduce tissue dessication. One embodiment of the invention is adaptedfor use in surgical procedures during which surgical aerosols,particularly moist or moisture containing aerosols, are produced and/orin which heated and/or humidified gas is used by including a space orregion into which moisture can move, gather and/or be collected withoutdiminishing flow rate or the efficiency of the filter.

[0015] Another embodiment of the invention includes an elbow memberadapted to be coupled between a trocar and the conduit to position theconduit to reduce any potential inconvenience to the surgeon and/orstaff during a procedure.

[0016] An advantage of the smoke evacuation system of the presentinvention is that it provides for the intra-operative orintra-procedural evacuation and filtration of smoke from a pressurizedsurgical site, e.g., the abdominal cavity, without requiring suction andwithout rapidly exhausting the pressurizing gas or causing a substantialpressure reduction at the pressurized surgical site. Other advantagesare that the invention does not require an operator, it continuouslyremoves smoke from the pressurized cavity (once the valve in valvedembodiments is opened) to improve visibility without venting, it reducesoperating time, it eliminates surgical smoke from the operating room,thereby reducing the health risk stemming from exposure to such smoke,it eliminates the need to apply suction to a patient thereby reducingpotential tissue damage, and it is inexpensive.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the smoke evacuating apparatusand method of the present invention will become more fully apparent andunderstood with reference to the following description and drawings, andthe appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the smoke evacuation system ofthe present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 depicts the filter of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0020]FIG. 3 depicts a portion of the filter of FIG. 2 in cross section.

[0021]FIG. 4 depicts another embodiment of the filter.

[0022]FIG. 5 depicts a connector stopcock or valve for use in the smokeevacuation system of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 6 depicts, largely representationally, a trocar (andobturator) of a type suitable for use with the present.

[0024]FIG. 7 depicts an elbow connector connecting a trocar and a valveconnector.

[0025]FIG. 8 depicts another embodiment of the filter.

[0026]FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of the smoke evacuation systemof the present invention.

[0027]FIG. 10 depicts another embodiment of the smoke evacuation systemof the present invention.

[0028]FIG. 11 depicts the filter of one embodiment of the presentinvention coupled to a surgical site.

[0029]FIG. 12 depicts a portion of one embodiment of the filter of theinvention in cross section.

DESCRIPTION

[0030] The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the smokeevacuation apparatus or system of the present invention, and featuresand components thereof. With regard to means for fastening, mounting,attaching or connecting the components of the present invention to formthe apparatus as a whole, unless specifically described otherwise, suchmeans are intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as machinescrews, machine threads, snap rings, hose clamps such as screw clampsand the like, rivets, nuts and bolts, toggles, pins and the like.Components may also be connected by friction fitting, or by welding ordeformation, if appropriate. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed ortaught, materials for making components of the present invention areselected from appropriate materials such as metal, metallic alloys,natural or synthetic fibers, plastics and the like, and appropriatemanufacturing or production methods including casting, extruding,molding and machining may be used. The components of the invention maybe constructed from any such suitable materials for use in surgicalrooms or in surgical procedures.

[0031] Any references to front and back, right and left, top and bottom,upper and lower, and horizontal and vertical are intended forconvenience of description, not to limit the present invention or itscomponents to any one positional or spacial orientation.

[0032] Referring to the Figures, particularly FIG. 1, the presentinvention provides a smoke evacuating system 14 for use during surgicalprocedures. The system 14 includes a filter 16 and a generally flexiblefluid conduit 18 connected to the filter 16. The conduit 18 may beprovided in one or more pieces. The system 14, particularly the end ofthe conduit 18, may include an integral or attachable male or femaleconnector (of the type well known in the art) for facilitating theconnection of the conduit 18 to the exhaust port or vent valve of atrocar, or the system 14 may include a Leur lock-type valve 17 (see FIG.5) operably coupled to the conduit 18, and it may include a generallytubular member 20, such as a typical well known trocar with an exhaustport (not shown).

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the filter 16 comprises a housing 24 with aninlet connector 26 and an outlet connector 28. Stepped hose barb typeconnectors may be used, as depicted in the Figures. The housing 24 maybe made from polypropylene or other suitable material. The housing 24contains the filter media 32, which comprises two thin, flat circular,disk shaped layers 34, 36. One layer 36, the layer adjacent to theoutlet connector 28, is formed of 0.2 μm hydrophobic 200 mg/square cmPTFE, and the other layer 34 is made of a 200 g/square m 50%cellulose/carbon fiber blend. The layers 34, 36 are immediately adjacentto each other and each has a large surface area. Together, they form afilter media 32 having a surface area generally corresponding to itsfiltration area, i.e., approximately 7.5 square cm, approximately 100times larger than the cross sectional area of the lumen of the depicted¼ inch conduit 18. Although a disk-shaped filter is depicted, othershapes may be used as long as a pressure drop suitable for low flow, lowpressure filtering is achieved. The filter 24, one or both layers, maybe designed to exhibit a “change filter” color change indicative thatuseful life of the filter is over or nearly over. The odor removinglayer 34 may be formed by or incorporate carbon or charcoal basedmaterial, or a diatomaceous earth material or other odor removing orreducing agent may be used.

[0034] The filter media 32 is potted or contained in the housing 24. Thehousing 24 has an inlet manifold 26 and an outlet manifold 28. On eachside of the filter media 32, in the respective manifolds, the housinghas a plurality of annular grooves 42. The housing 24 may be formedaround the filter media 32, or it may be formed in pieces which arejoined to pot the media 32. An alternative, button or rivet-likeembodiment of the filter 16, wherein the outlet 28 is substantiallyreduced to an outlet port 28′, is depicted in FIG. 4. This embodiment ofthe filter 16 may be carried at the free end of the conduit 18 or it, ora similar embodiment with a suitable protruding inlet connector forextending through the abdominal wall, may be coupled directly to theabdomen of a patient, for example, through a needle stick or othersuitable opening.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 12, in one embodiment, a space 55 may beprovided between the housing 24 and the filter media 32. This space 55,which may also be referred to as a water trap, provides an area in whichmoisture and/or condensed vapor may collect during use of the system andfilter of the present invention. In some applications, such as highsmoke, laser, or harmonic scalpel procedures, a substantial amount ofwater vapor may be produced along with smoke. Although the filter media32 or filter paper may be made from hydrophobic material, in some highvapor-producing procedures, the filter media 32 may be unable to shedthe water or vapor that condenses because there is little or no space orarea for the moisture or liquid to move to and/or settle into. In anembodiment of the invention containing a space 55 between the filtermedia 32 and the housing 24, the space 55 provides an area or region inwhich water vapor can condense and settle without effecting theefficiency of the filter. FIG. 12 depicts one embodiment of a filterhaving a space 55 between the filter media 32 and the housing 24. Thespace 55 may be provided in a variety of orientations and locations withrespect to the filter media 32 and the housing 24. For instance, thespace 55 may be near the filter media 32 on the inlet 26 side of thehousing 24 or, in other embodiments, on the outlet 28 side of thehousing 24, or both. In addition, the space 55 may be near the outerand/or peripheral portions or regions 57 of the filter media 32 andhousing 24. The space 55 may also have a variety of geometries indifferent embodiments of the invention, and it may be provided in one ormore locations. In one embodiment of the invention, such as thatdepicted in FIG. 12, more than one space 55 may exist. FIG. 12, forinstance, shows spaces 55 near the outer portions 57 of the housing, onthe inlet side of the filter media 32, and on the outlet side of thefilter media. This is advantageous because it provides for liquidcollection spaces 55 which will be effective despite how the system maybe positioned or oriented during a surgical procedure. FIG. 12 depictscondensed vapor 61 collecting in the space 55 near the inlet side of thefilter media 32.

[0036] The system 14 provides a substantially unobstructed fluid flowpath through the fluid conduit 18 between a valve 18 and filter 16 and,when the valve 18 is open, between a pressurized surgical site “S” andthe filter 16. The filter 16 provides flow regulation of a fluid(insufflation gas carrying smoke) flowing along the fluid flow path inthat it provides resistance to flow, whereby flow rates in someembodiments range from one (1) to four (4) liters/minute and, in otherembodiments, range from 1 to 3.8 liters/minute. The filter 16 exhibitsor has an associated pressure drop from one side to the other of fromapproximately one-half (0.5) to twenty (20) mm of mercury, with apressure drop of from approximately two (2) to three (3) mm of mercurybeing preferred in another embodiment, and a pressure drop ofapproximately one (1) mm of mercury being preferred in yet anotherembodiment. The latter pressure drops correspond generally to flow ratesof 1.8 liters/minute and 3.6 to 3.8 liters/minute, respectively. Higherpressures and/or lower pressure drops will produce higher correlativeflow rates, and the filter 16 may be available in several specificationsto be matched with the patient, function or procedure involved. The sizeand length of the fluid conduit or tube 18 may be varied to assist inproviding desired flow characteristics (approximately 1.0 to 30 litersper minute) in conjunction with the resistance or pressure drop of thefilter 16 of the present invention. The filter, therefore, may bedesigned for low flow applications, medium flow applications, or highflow applications. For instance, the filter 16 may operate at flow ratesof about 0.2 to 30 liters per minute when coupled to pressurizedsurgical sites, wherein pressure drops of approximately 0.5 to 30 mm Hgexist.

[0037] In one embodiment, the invention may be a “passive” smokeevacuation system and method. In this embodiment, the filter 16 may bedesigned to regulate the flow of smoke and gases from a surgical site tothe ambient air outside a patient's body without the use of a vacuumsupply. The filter 16, in this embodiment, is designed to have apressure drop at an associated flow rate sufficient to evacuate smokefrom the pressurized cavity to the ambient air outside of the cavitywithout loss of pneumoperitoneum. For instance, in one embodiment, thefilter 16 may have a resistance such that it causes a fluid flow rate offrom approximately 0.2 to 30 liters per minute when coupled to apressurized surgical site, wherein a pressure drop of approximately 0.5to 30 mm Hg is maintained from the surgical site to ambient air, andwherein the fluid flow is induced as a result of the pressure in thepressurized surgical site. In other embodiments, the filter 16 may havea resistance such that a fluid flow rate of from about 1 to 20 litersper minute results at an associated pressure drop of from about 0.5 to20 mm Hg.

[0038] In some embodiments, the tube 18 may be four to six feet inlength, with a length of from 1.5 to 3.0 feet being preferred. Ifquarter inch tubing is selected, the lumen of the tube 18 typicallywould be 3 mm in diameter, but inner diameters ranging from 2 to 12 mmmay be used. The parameters of diameter and length of tube 18, size oftrocar (for one preferred example, 3 mm), and the resistance or pressuredrop associated with filter 16 may be relatively adjusted to accommodatedifferent patients, surgical procedures and/or operating room settings,as long as adequate low pressure, low flow smoke filtering and odorremoval is achieved. The present invention may be embodied in acompletely disposable, single use unit or components thereof, e.g., thefilter or tubing, may be disposable with other component reusable.Typically, the trocar 20 or tubular member to which the conduit 18 iscoupled, either directly or through an exhaust port or valve, isgrounded to eliminate any errant current.

[0039] The present invention encompasses a method for evacuating smokefrom a surgical site, particularly from a minimally invasive site suchas a laparoscopy with a pneumoperitoneum. For example, for evacuatingsmoke from a surgical site in the abdominal cavity during a laparoscopicprocedure, the method of the present invention comprises the steps ofoperably coupling a conduit 18 to the pneumoperitoneum, for example tothe tubular member 21 (FIG. 7) extending from the pneumoperitoneum, andcoupling a filter 16 having a low pressure drop there across to theconduit 18, whereby there is a substantially unobstructed, low volumefluid flow path between the pneumoperitoneum and the filter 18, wherebyparticulate material and odor are removed from the fluid. The fluid isinduced to flow through the conduit 18 and filter 16 by the generallycomplementary pressure of the insufflating gas of the pneumoperitoneumand the pressure drop of the filter 16. In one embodiment, the flow maybe controlled, e.g., initiated, stopped or reduced by incorporating avalve (such as a Leur lock valve (FIG. 5) or the like) with the conduit18 or by using a valved trocar or the like.

[0040] The apparatus and method of the present invention may be used inlaparoscopic procedure involving a pneumoperitoneum, i.e., a conditionin which air or gas is collected or insufflated into the peritonealcavity, but it also may be used in any other surgical procedureinvolving a substantially enclosed and/or pressurized surgical site suchas thoracoscopy. Referring to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the conduit 18may be fitted with flow generating device 48 such as an in-line bloweror impeller, which may be battery powered such as some commerciallyavailable models, for drawing air, smoke, particulate matter andcontaminants into the conduit for filtration, whereby the invention maybe used for “open” surgical procedures. In this embodiment, the selectedflow generating device 48 may be located on either side of the filter16, although positioning it on the outlet side of the filter 16 mayprotect it from contaminants and, in non-disposable embodiments,lengthen its useful life. The flow generating device 48 may beincorporated with the filter 16 itself, for example, in the outletconnector. With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, for use in open sitesurgical procedures, the site or intake end of the conduit 18 may beexpanded as at 19 and provided with a grille 21. In this embodiment theexpanded end 19 may be, for example, inserted partially into a deepwound or connected to a patient's body near a surgical site (e.g., byusing adhesive, straps, sutures or the like).

[0041] The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from the essential spirit or attributes thereof. It isdesired that the embodiments described herein be considered in allrespects as illustrative, not restrictive, and that reference be made tothe appended claims for determining the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for passively exhausting a volume havinga pressure that exceeds a pressure of an ambient environment, wherein aresulting pressure differential between the pressure of the volume andthe pressure of the ambient environment induces a fluid flow through thesystem from the volume to the ambient environment, the systemcomprising: a fluid conduit adapted to be operably coupled to thevolume; and a filter operably coupled to the conduit, wherein a pressuredrop across the system is approximately 0.5 to approximately 30 mm Hgwhen a fluid flow rate for the fluid is approximately 0.2 toapproximately 30.0 liters per minute.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinthe volume is a pressurized surgical site.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the pressure drop across the system is approximately 0.5 toapproximately 20 mm Hg when the fluid flow rate for the fluid isapproximately 1.0 to approximately 20.0 liters per minute.
 4. The systemof claim 2, wherein the pressure drop across the system is approximately2.0 to approximately 3.0 mm Hg when the fluid flow rate for the fluid isapproximately 1.8 liters per minute.
 5. The system of claim 2, whereinthe pressure drop across the system is approximately 1.0 mm Hg when thefluid flow rate for the fluid is approximately 3.6 to 3.8 liters perminute.
 6. The system of claim 2 further comprising a valve adapted tocontrol the fluid flow.
 7. The filter of claim 2 further comprising anodor removing media.
 8. The filter of claim 7 further comprising aparticulate removing media.
 9. A method for passively exhausting apressurized surgical site without causing a pressure reduction at thepressurized surgical site that substantially adversely affects asurgical procedure, wherein the pressurized surgical site has a pressurethat exceeds the pressure of an ambient environment, wherein the systemincludes a fluid conduit and a filter operably coupled to the conduit,the method comprising: connecting a first end of a system to thepressurized surgical site so the system is in fluid communication withthe pressurized surgical site; placing a second end of the system influid communication with the ambient environment; and allowing apressure differential between the pressurized surgical site and theambient environment to induce a fluid flow through the system from thepressurized surgical site to the ambient environment.
 10. The method ofclaim 9 further comprising generating a pressure drop across the systemof approximately 0.5 to approximately 30 mm Hg when a fluid flow ratefor the fluid is approximately 0.2 to approximately 30.0 liters.
 11. Themethod of claim 9 further comprising generating a pressure drop acrossthe system of approximately 0.5 to approximately 20 mm Hg when a fluidflow rate for the fluid is approximately 1.0 to approximately 20.0liters.
 12. An evacuating system for use during surgical procedures,comprising: a conduit adapted to be operably coupled to a pressurizedsurgical site; a filter adapted to be operably coupled to the conduit,the conduit providing a substantially unobstructed fluid flow path fromthe pressurized surgical site to the filter, the filter having a filtermedia, wherein a fluid flows through the filter at a rate correspondingto a maintained pressure drop from the surgical site to ambient, whereinthe fluid flow is induced as a result of the pressure in the pressurizedsurgical site; and a control operably coupled to the conduit forcontrolling the fluid flow.
 13. A filter for use in surgical procedures,wherein the filter is adapted to be operably coupled to a pressurizedsurgical site such that a fluid flows from the pressurized surgical sitethrough the filter into the ambient at a rate of approximately 0.02 to20 liters per minute as a pressure drop of approximately 0.5 to 30 mm Hgis maintained generally from the surgical site to the ambient, andwherein the fluid flow is induced by the pressure in the pressurizedsurgical site.
 14. The filter according to claim 13, wherein thepressure drop is approximately 2 to 3 mm Hg at a fluid flow rate ofapproximately 1.8 liters per minute.
 15. A passive filter device for useduring minimally invasive surgery involving at least one body wallpenetrating device and cauterizing, lasing or otherwise disruptingtissue, comprising: a proximal portion for attachment to the at leastone body wall penetrating device; a conduit extending from the proximalportion for carrying cauterization, laser or tissue disruptionbyproducts; a manual control device for opening and closing the conduit;and a distal portion including a filter to capture the cauterization,laser or tissue disruption byproducts, wherein the filter maintains apressure drop from a surgical site to an ambient atmosphere.
 16. Thepassive filter device according to claim 15, wherein a fluid carryingcauterization, laser or tissue disruption byproducts is induced to flowthrough the device by pressure at a site of the cauterizing, lasing orotherwise disrupting tissue, and flows through the filter to the ambientat a maintained pressure drop from the site to the ambient.
 17. Thepassive filter device according to claim 16, wherein the fluid flows ata rate of approximately 0.2 to 20 liters per minute.
 18. The passivefilter device according to claim 16, wherein a pressure drop ofapproximately 0.5 to 20 mm Hg is maintained from the site to theambient, and the fluid flows at a rate of approximately 0.2 to 20 litersper minute.
 19. A smoke evacuating system for use during surgicalprocedures involving a surgical site having an associated pressurehigher than ambient pressure, said system comprising a filter having anoutlet side, and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site andthe filter, said fluid conduit defining a fluid flow path between thesurgical site and filter, said higher pressure generating a fluid flowin the fluid flow path at a flow rate of from approximately 0.2 to 20liters per minute at a pressure drop of from approximately 0.5 to 20 mmHg from the site to the outlet side.
 20. The system according to claim19, wherein the flow rate is approximately 1.8 liters per minute at apressure drop of approximately 2 to 3 mm Hg.
 21. The system according toclaim 19, wherein the flow rate is approximately 3.6 to 3.8liters/minute at a pressure drop of approximately 1 mm Hg.
 22. Thesystem of claim 19, further comprising a valve located between thefilter and the surgical site.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein thevalve is operably coupled to the fluid conduit.
 24. The system of claim23, wherein the valve comprises a fluid conduit compressing member. 25.The system of claim 24, wherein the valve comprises a housing portion,wherein the conduit compressing member is movable relative to thehousing portion to change the flow rate.
 26. A smoke evacuating systemcomprising a filter, a conduit and a flow controller, the system adaptedto be operably coupled to a pressurized site, wherein the system enablesa fluid flow from the pressurized site to the ambient of fromapproximately 0.2 liters per minute to approximately 20 liters perminute, wherein a pressure drop of approximately 0.5 mm Hg toapproximately 30 mm Hg is maintained from the pressurized site to theambient, and wherein the fluid flow is induced as a result of thepressure in the pressurized site.
 27. The smoke evacuating system ofclaim 26, wherein the system exhibits a pressure drop of approximately 2to 3 mm Hg at a fluid flow rate of approximately 1.8 liters per minute.28. A smoke evacuating system comprising a filter and means forregulating a fluid flowing through the filter, wherein the fluid flowsat a fluid flow rate from a site through the filter to the ambient at amaintained pressure drop from the site to the ambient, and wherein thefluid flow is induced as a result of the pressure at the site.
 29. Thesystem according to claim 28, said means for regulating selected from agroup consisting of valves suitable for initiating, stopping, andreducing the fluid flow.
 30. A smoke evacuating system for use duringsurgical procedures comprising a filter and means for regulating a fluidflow through the filter, the system adapted to be operably coupled to apressurized surgical site, wherein the system enables a fluid flow ratefrom the pressurized surgical site through the filter to the ambient ata maintained pressure drop from the surgical site to the ambient, andwherein the fluid flow is induced as a result of the pressure in thepressurized surgical site.
 31. The system according to claim 30, whereinthe means for regulating is between the surgical site and the filter.32. The system according to claim 30, further comprising a conduit, saidmeans for regulating operably coupled to the conduit.
 33. The systemaccording to claim 30, said means for regulating is selected from agroup consisting of valves suitable for initiating, stopping, andreducing a fluid flow.
 34. The system of claim 30 wherein the filter isoperably coupled to a pressurized surgical site by a trocar.
 35. Asystem for passively exhausting a plurality of smoke particles from asurgical site pressurized to a standard pneumoperitoneum pressure usedin the field of laparoscopic surgery, the pressure of the surgical siteexceeding a pressure of an ambient environment, the system comprising: afluid conduit adapted to be operably coupled to the surgical site; and afilter operably coupled to the conduit, wherein the system relies on apressure differential between the pressure of the surgical site and thepressure of the ambient environment to generate a fluid flow through thesystem from the surgical site to the ambient environment, and whereinthe system has a generally corresponding fluid flow resistance and fluidflow rate adapted to evacuate the plurality of smoke particles from thesurgical site without decreasing the pressure of the surgical site in amanner that substantially adversely affects the surgical procedure. 36.The system of claim 35, wherein the generally corresponding fluid flowresistance and fluid flow rate are approximately 0.5 to approximately 30mm Hg and approximately 0.2 to approximately 30 liters per minute,respectively.
 37. The system of claim 35, wherein the generallycorresponding fluid flow resistance and fluid flow rate areapproximately 0.5 to approximately 20 mm Hg and approximately 1.0 toapproximately 20.0 liters per minute, respectively.
 38. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the generally corresponding fluid flow resistance andfluid flow rate are approximately 2.0 to approximately 3.0 mm Hg andapproximately 1.8 liters per minute, respectively.
 39. The system ofclaim 35, wherein the generally corresponding fluid flow resistance andfluid flow rate are approximately 1.0 mm Hg and approximately 3.6 to 3.8liters per minute, respectively.
 40. The system of claim 35 furthercomprising a valve adapted to control the fluid flow.
 41. The filter ofclaim 35 further comprising an odor removing media.
 42. The filter ofclaim 41 further comprising a particulate removing media.